Tag Archives: Videos

Bedford Falls is Alive and Well in Upstate New York

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How can we forget George Bailey running down the streets of his hometown, screaming Merry Christmas to everyone as he finally discovers his true purpose in life? Where did this miracle happen? Why, Bedford Falls, of course.

Sadly, Bedford Falls is a work of fiction. However, according to legend, it was inspired by a real life town in Upstate New York. Before the film was made, Director Frank Capra was a familiar visitor to Seneca Falls, NY. Long known for its contribution to the Women’s Rights Movement, Seneca Falls is believed to be the inspiration for the fictional town of Bedford Falls. The names are similar, anyway, although we did run into George Bailey himself. See video below:

Bedford Falls, Seneca Falls…OK there’s that. But the layout of each town is nearly identical, the politics of the time eerily similar. And then there’s the bridge. The famous bridge that George Bailey almost jumped off and into the river below. Seneca Falls has one of those, too.

The famous bridge

There will always be skeptics, but Seneca Falls, NY long ago claimed the title of inspiration for Mr. Capra’s mythical town, going so far as establishing a museum devoted to the film. To celebrate, It’s a Wonderful Life actually comes to life each December in a winter festival. Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey—George’s youngest—returns each year for the festival to sign autographs.

Zuzu–Karolyn Grimes–signs autographs at the Museum, December 2016

And there’s plenty of reenactors to go around—George, Violet, Mr. Potter, Clarence. They’re all roaming the streets of Seneca Bedford Falls one time each year.

Aliens. It was Aliens.

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It’s no secret that Area 51 is a…um…secret, so what’s going on there, anyway? Well, we may never know. The reality is that the UFO phenomenon of the last 70+ years has a strong following in southern Nevada because of this mysterious place, but you don’t need to look there to enjoy the finer points of UFOlogy. You can have all your questions answered–and a bite to eat while you put your feet up for the night–at the Little A’Le’Inn, just a few miles away from ’51.

Our trip to Little A’Le’Inn. It was a windy day, which added some mystery to the ambiance. Learn why it’s called A’Le’Inn–it’s not the reason you think.

Located in the small town of Rachel, Nevada, off highway 375 (the famous Extraterrestrial Highway) and about 150 miles north of Las Vegas, the Little A’Le’Inn is a cozy inn with a bar and grill that will give any visitor the ultimate alien experience. UndiscoveredWanderings was founded to document places off the beaten path; this place is really off the beaten path! But it adds to the authenticity, so the trip is well worth it, especially if you’re on your way to Vegas from the north.

Started around the time of the famous Bob Lazar interview, which opened up Area 51 and its alleged collection of extraterrestrial spaceships to public scrutiny, Little A’Le’Inn proudly embraces the UFO theme inside and out, and throughout the years it’s welcomed visitors from every corner of the earth. Still no word if any ETs have shown up to stay there yet, but they would feel right at home if they ever do.

Inside the main building, with a “Welcome Earthlings” sign-wielding alien out front, you can enjoy the bar and grill, then use the gift shop to add to your collection of UFO memorabilia with every alien-themed souvenir you can possibly imagine, plus some local goods like quilts and even A’Le’Inn’s own brand of red wine. It’s a great stop before you take on Vegas, which is more or less its own planet, anyway. Enjoy!

It Wouldn’t be a Car Show Without Driving Around Like a Maniac

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We got lucky. Not only did UW visit Hot August Nights‘ swap meet on a beautiful sunny day when semi-pros were drifting their cars, but also for an extra $10 and a signature on a waiver form (remember, this is dangerous. See our Terms of Use for more info), we got to do a ride along! No need to really describe it, just watch the videos below. You’ll notice how heavily modified these cars are since they only have one purpose. The car UW rode in was virtually stripped to the frame and rebuilt with a new engine and transmission. It’s an expensive hobby, but a great adrenaline rush. Check out the gallery at the bottom of this post, too. Enjoy.

View from the Front Seat: Drifting in a modified ’93 Mazda RX-7

Some Extra Drifting Clips

Exotic Animals Galore, Just Outside the Rock House

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Even though UW couldn’t photograph the home itself at Hole N’ the Rock, there was still plenty of other things to see on the property. Enter the zoo. It’s not a petting zoo, but a feeding zoo! For a few bucks at the general store, you can buy a bucket of food for the animals, which include a zebra, camel, goats, emu, ostrich, and a few other interesting creatures. See the video tour below…